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February is Responsible Pet Owner Month |
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Written by Amanda Moreno
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Thursday, 04 February 2010 |
Pets are just as much a part of the family as anyone else.
February is Responsible Pet Owner Month. During the month of February, there is extra attention drawn to protecting and loving the family pet.
Bringing a pet into the house is not the end of the journey, but the beginning. Once a pet is brought into the home, there are certain steps that need to be taken.
It's important to keep pets healthy. Simply feeding and giving them shelter is not enough. Schedule regular check-ups for pets. Keeping them healthy is important and can lead them to a long life.
"A regular, healthy pet should have once a year check-ups," Brenda Stevens of Sweetwater Veterinary Hospital said. "Puppies need to go to get vaccines, so they will go more often, but your older pets, as long as there are no health issues, can be good with a yearly check-up."
Having new pets spayed or neutered is also important. This process not only helps keep the animal population down, but it also serves as a guard for pets against various diseases.
During the month of February, one of the ways that pet owners can take part in Responsible Pet Owner Month is to inform friends and family about the importance of spaying or neutering. Pet owners can provide information and phone numbers to help out.
In each community, there should be an area vet that can perform the surgery. Some will even provide the service at a low cost.
When it comes to feeding pets, take the time and research the different types of foods. Make sure that when purchasing food that you are buying the right stage of food. Make sure to feed pets enough, but be careful to not overfeed them.
Give pets exercise. Many cities are starting to incorporate the use of dog parks. Taking the family dog for a walk or just for some time in the park can be a great way to let them release energy. Not only does it give them an outlet, but it helps keep them in shape. Just as humans do, pets need exercise to keep their bodies fit.
According to Dr. Carol Osborne, cats need at least 10 to 15 minutes of exercise a day. Letting them enjoy an hour of exercise can increase their lifespan by four years. During their exercise time, not only is the family cat improving its health, but it can become more alert and trusting. Just as parents spend quality time with their children, pets need quality time as well.
"Spending time with your pet is important," Stevens said. "They will be a better pet if you spend time with them, instead of just throwing them in the backyard."
Grooming is another important part of taking care of a pet. Depending on the type of animal will depend on how often grooming is needed. If the family pet has longer, fluffier hair, it is important to keep it clean and tangle free. However, short haired animals can be kept clean with regular baths. Make sure and keep the nails clipped, but not too short. A local vet might perform this service. There are also products on the market that can be used to clean the teeth and gums of animals. Keeping their teeth healthy is important to ensure that they are able to continue eating without pain.
Part of keeping an animal clean is making sure that they do not get infested with ticks or fleas. Make sure and provide either a flea and tick collar, bathe the family animal and keep the surrounding areas clean.
Training the family pet is one more way to be a good pet owner. The majority of the animals in shelters are there because their owners couldn't handle them. Training an animal not only teaches them to listen to you and gives them better behavior qualities, but it helps create a stronger bond with your animal.
"Training your pet will make them more enjoyable," Stevens said. "They will be easier to interact with and bond with. Training them will also make them nicer towards others, which makes them more enjoyable for others."
Understanding that your pet is an extension of your family is a huge step to being a responsible pet owner. Contact your local vet to find out more information or take some time and search the internet for some helpful information sites. |
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Last Updated ( Monday, 08 February 2010 )
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